Welcome to Volunteer Kennels
About Us
Georgia to Tennessee
Volunteer Kennels was founded in 2019 when Scott McMahan amicably parted ways with his mentor, seeking ownership in a field he spent the previous 7 years studying. He returned to middle Tennessee and when he is not working with dogs he is hunting for land to build out his dream facilities. Currently located in the heart of Franklin, TN, Scott has spent his entire adulthood working with canines and their owners, never satisfied with what he knows. What started as a love for bird dogs quickly grew into a desire to solve complex behavior issues. He has many years of first hand experience teaching puppies, tackling anxiety, fear-based aggression, dominance and many other behavior issues. From bottle-feeding litters to ACL recoveries, Scott has seen it all. These experiences have let him develop a method to communicate clearly with dogs and their owners. Most behavior issues are simply a breakdown in communication.
Boarding
Boarding
Quality Care
Boarding your dogs is a special responsibility. We will treat your loved ones the way we would expect and want ours to be treated!
Dogs go outside community style (together) unless special circumstances prevent. Community style let outs allow us to be exercised together much more often. We go outside about every 2 hours from 6:30am to 10pm which means your dogs go out 8-10 times a day! Most kennels take out their crew 3 times a day. Weather dictates the length of time we stay out, usually 20-30 minutes. Our dogs are spoiled and most are ready to get back the AC or heat like us!
No extra charge for medications or special diets. Pricing is designed to be up front and honest.
$40/night
Daycare
Flexible drop off and pick up times
Daycare friends get to enjoy the same routine as overnight boarders. Outside every 2 hours minimum with lots of running in between. Very flexible pick up and drop off times. $30/day. Membership options available.
Training
Overnight Training
Consistency is Key
Our 3 week training program is highly recommended. Scott can take any dog and make it behave in his house, but what happens when it is time to go home? This period of training is for owners as well as the animal. Scott gives the consistency and communication your dog needs to improve and then spends a significant amount of time teaching you! The single biggest factor in long-term training success is handler education. While your dog is in training you will schedule lessons to come by and work with all parties involved. If you are a good student, Scott will even encourage you to take your pup home for 24-48 hours to practice away from school. This significantly improves long-term success rates. Dogs are worked with every day to establish the fundamentals of "Sit, Heel, and No." Once these foundations are laid, we can move on to bigger and better things. Whether it's your 8 week old puppy you want to start on the right path, or a 2 year old adult who pulls like a freight train, this is the best place to start. You will meet with Scott and establish a plan of action for the program including your specific goals. $2000
Private Lessons
One-on-one
These sessions are designed to evaluate your dog, you and the relationship you two share. We will talk dog communication and Scott will give you things to work on at home and in the near future. Owners typically see a vast improvement during this 1.5-2 hour lesson. We will teach you to speak a dog's language. Jenny and Mae, Scott's labradors, help him teach as well. $125 at Volunteer Kennels. $200 in-home visit.
Bird Dog
Advanced hunt training
Waterfowl or upland game, Scott has experience in training pointers for the Dakotas and plenty of duck dogs for this corner of the world. Whatever your specific goals, you will meet with Scott and evaluate your dog's current state. Together, you will formulate a plan with realistic goals catered to your style of hunting. Scott loves to hunt pheasant and both of his personal dogs retrieved over 100 birds before their first birthday. He didn't harvest them all himself, others asked him to help retrieve their birds! Scott has remote-controlled launchers and many other tools to help train working retrieval dogs. Your hunting dog can work for you in the field and still be capable of being the house pet your family desires. You can have both! $2500
Contact
Get in touch to find out more about our services or to schedule a visit.
Opening Hours
Call or text to set up a free consulation
Monday - Saturday: 7am - 6pm
Sunday: By Appointment Only
All new dogs are subject to a behavior evaluation to ensure safety of staff and other dogs. Must be up to date on all vaccines and worm/flea and tick medication.
